2018 BMW X1 SAV

Manufacturer Offer

Financing Offer : 2.89% APR for 60 months on select BMW models

* Disclaimer(s)

Truth in Lending Act Disclosure:
Down payment will vary with APR and credit. For example, 2.89% APR with $2,500 down payment provides for 60 monthly payments of $17.92 per $1000 financed for qualified buyers. 2.89% APR for a term of 24 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $42.93 per $1000 financed.
2.89% APR for a term of 36 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $29.03 per $1000 financed.
2.89% APR for a term of 39 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $26.89 per $1000 financed.
2.89% APR for a term of 42 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $25.06 per $1000 financed.
2.89% APR for a term of 48 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $22.09 per $1000 financed.
3.89% APR for a term of 72 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $15.6 per $1000 financed. The rates described are for estimation purposes only; you may not be able to finance at this rate.

Manufacturer Offer

Dealer Allowance: $3,500 cash back on select BMW models

* Disclaimer(s)

Cash only available on vehicles with 1,000 or fewer odometer miles. Dealer Contribution cashback may not be available in all areas, to all consumers, or to all dealers. Dealers who participate may not be able to contribute the entire cashback amount. See dealer for details.

Reviews

Driving Impression

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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The 2.0-liter turbo engine, with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, accelerates from zero to sixty in 6.4 seconds. That’s very quick for the fast and quick by any standard. The X1 inspires confidence in traffic. It responds like a BMW when you put your foot down.

The speed-sensitive electric power steering is quick and well weighted, and although it’s lacking in BMW feel, but you can still run the X1 on twisty roads harder than rivals. The good brakes complement such conditions.

The X1 ride is comfortable as it is, even on standard 18-inch wheels with run-flat all-season tires; conventional all-season tires with a space-saver spare are available at no extra cost.

The Driving Dynamic Control modes are Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro, which change the sensitivity of the steering, throttle, and transmission. Not surprisingly, given the intent of the X1, we found a significant difference between the settings, as it’s supposed to be. Power is quite slow to arrive in Eco Pro, medium slow in Comfort, and quicker in Sport, or if you’re using manual control in the shift gate or the paddleshifters. In any mode other than Sport, the transmission resists shifting down during uphill acceleration.

BMW’s all-wheel drive xDrive uses a clutch and hydraulic pump system that can shift 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels in a small fraction of a second. Our seat time included some miles in the mountains on roads with rocks and mud from recent landslides. The X1’s good ground clearance was useful, however, on some gravelly spots, we lost some confidence along with lost traction. A Range Rover, Volvo, Audi, or Subaru exudes more confidence on gravel.

Walk Around

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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With the twin-kidney grille, the X1 is clearly a BMW, and with its height and greenhouse it’s clearly a crossover, not a stylish BMW wagon.

The big nostrils of the grille are framed by cat’s eye headlamps, with icing-like sculpting that stretches down the sides of the car to the high taillamps. Dark cladding wraps around the rear and touches the low air intakes up front.

Interior Overview

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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The dashboard looks smart, with its big round analog gauges, but the standard interior materials don’t meet the quality expected in a premium vehicle. The front seats are inadequate in thigh bolstering and thin on back support. We haven’t tried the sport seats.

The back seats are comfortable, however. There’s good headroom, thanks to the height, and generous legroom in the rear for a subcompact, although not enough width back there for three adults. The seats are easy to climb in and out of, thanks to wide door openings. There is an available rear seat that reclines and slides rearward by five inches. Forward, if cargo space is needed.

Cargo space is good for a subcompact crossover, a bit less than a compact. It’s 27.1 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 58.7 cubic feet with it down. That’s more than the Audi Q3 or Range Rover Evoque, but way less than a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

We like the optional wood trim and leather with contrasting stitching, and the head-up display, and the 8.8-inch touchscreen that’s mounted on top of the center console festooned with audio and climate buttons. The screen comes with a touchpad on the iDrive knob.

Summary

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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The BMW X1 is a sweet subcompact crossover SUV, with a strong powertrain, excellent safety, and good fuel mileage. Its base price is attractive, but the base car isn’t so much. It takes options and money to make the X1 excellent.

Sam Moses wrote this review, with staff reports by The Car Connection.